The size, color and pattern slightly varies since they are handmade beads.

There are 6 colors available for this item.

The unique charateristic of StudioWAZA jewelry is to combine lampwork glass beads with natural gemstones, faceted crystal glass and metal parts. The traditional style was to wear just one bead on a cord or several of them linked together. We adapt modern materials and suggest new ways of wearing lampwork beads. It's the best way to mix them with current fashion trends.

Lampwork glass beads are called "Dragonfly Jewels" in Japan. They became very trendy during the Edo period (1603-1867 AD). At that time, glass beads with round circle designs were very popular and people thought they look like the eyes of a dragonfly. The method of making beads with glass rods over a flame reached Japan during the Nara period (AD 710-794). Artisans wrapped melted glass around metal rods to create the round shapes.

Osaka - the home of StudioWAZA's Japanese studio - produces the finest highest quality glass, designed exclusively for glass beads and sculptures. There is no quick way to make a lampwork glass bead. Every color in a bead comes from a different glass rod and they all have to be melted together in one sitting.

The patterns and colors we use are very traditional in Japanese fashion. For more than 10 centuries, people have enjoyed similar glass beads on their kimono, hair pins, purses and so on. Glass beads have always been a favorite item of jewelry.

*** Japan to the World *** I left Japan in my early 20's, first moving to Nepal as a Japanese language teacher. I was so fascinated and inspired by their mingled culture. Old or new, religious or not, it didn't matter to me. The country was filled with handmade crafts from across the Himalayas. These surroundings must have helped me start developing my artistic sense.

*** Realizing the Depth of Japanese Culture in America *** Shortly after, I moved to Tampa, Florida where I learned ceramics from Wesley Allen. His ceramics caught my eye because I didn't expect to see such traditional Japanese-style arts in Tampa. I really liked the process of making ceramics and finding a sense of beauty in them. Wesley is a talented artist and my detailed workmanship complimented his creativity well. Staying away from my own culture helped me to recognize what is "Japanese Style". The core concept is DETAIL with SIMPLICITY and HARMONY. When people tell me my creations look somewhat Japanese I take it as a compliment, but I have never intended to make my work "Japanese". It's just my background flowing out from my hands.

*** Jewelry and Digital Design ***

As I started spending more time in Japan, away from my kiln, I had to find something new to satisfy my hands. Luckily, it didn't take me long to find a new outlet. Making glass beads has a lot of similarities with making ceramics. They both have infinite design possibilities. On the other hand, the process is quite different. Glass beads can be made in a smaller space and the processing time is much shorter, a fact I really like. Plus I enjoy the added element of designing jewelry.

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JP Post EMS, Letter Pack 500 by Japan Post

JP Post EMS

Your order will be shipped to you via Japan Post EMS. Japan Post is a speedy delivery service that delivers to more than 120 countries. With an effective tracking system and insurance program, EMS is able to offer a secure delivery worldwide. You can track your package with the tracking code provided and it will be delivered within a week. See estimated shipping fee

Letter Pack 500 by Japan Post

500yen flat shipping fee for all the items (Please choose this shipping method if you are shipping to Japanese address.)

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